Sleep is essential to physical and mental wellbeing as well as a healthy immune system. Thus, when we talk about sleep disruption, a long term change that negatively effects our ability to effectively function on a daily basis, this is a big deal. Researchers have determined we experience healthy sleep patterns in stages or phases. In the first we are transitioning between being awake and sleep. The second is when we actually reach sleep, and the third is slow wave or deep sleep. We usually are in this sleep early in our sleep cycle. REM sleep is when we usually are dreaming and happens later in our sleep cycle. We spend less time in this stage. Sleep affects our heart and circulatory, our metabolism, our respiratory and immune system. Therefore, we now understand more fully how sleep disruption plays a part in our compromised mental well-being during our acute grief journey.
If we find ourselves or someone else we know struggling with grief and one symptom they are dealing with is sleep deprivation or the opposite, then you know they may also not be thinking clearly (brain fog), may be experiencing lethargy, low motivation along with sadness, crying (if they are expressive) and probably a multitude of other symptoms at the same time. The disruption of sleep while only one of many symptoms is a vital element to our effective functioning at all times in our lives - in time of plenty and in time of need, in time of joy and in time of sorrow. If we are not obtaining the sleep we should, then we need to seek a solution or ask the assistance of someone close to us who may help us achieve this goal. This emphasizes the importance of sleep and a strong support system around us during times of joy as well as times of sorrow (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). May we possess the sweetest slumber. Call David at 879-6284.
